Progesterone in FET: ASRM 2017 Study Findings

A 2017 ASRM study by Shady Grove Fertility found that vaginal progesterone alone during frozen embryo transfers (FET) resulted in a 33% lower ongoing pregnancy rate compared to regimens including injections. The randomized trial compared three progesterone administration methods across 450+ patients. Researchers concluded injected progesterone significantly improved pregnancy outcomes.

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Key Takeaways

Vaginal Progesterone Alone Less Effective for FET

The study demonstrated that using vaginal suppositories (Endometrin®) exclusively during FET cycles led to a one-third reduction in ongoing pregnancy rates compared to protocols incorporating injections. This highlights the necessity of including injected progesterone for optimal uterine preparation and pregnancy support.

Combined Progesterone Methods Show Equivalent Live Birth Rates

Researchers found no significant difference in live birth rates between patients receiving combined vaginal/injected progesterone and those using injections alone. This suggests that combining methods could reduce injection frequency by two-thirds while maintaining efficacy, improving patient comfort.

Importance of Progesterone Supplementation in FET Protocols

Frozen embryo transfers require exogenous progesterone due to naturally low hormone levels post-IVF. The study underscores that inadequate progesterone support—particularly relying solely on vaginal methods—compromises pregnancy success, emphasizing the need for physician-monitored hormone protocols.

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